THE bravery of a special constable who single-handedly disarmed a man carrying an axe has received a commendation from the Stockton District Commander Chief Superintendent Dave Pickard.

SP Michael Watson was on patrol in Yarm last September when he was flagged down by the door staff of the Keys pub who said a man had left the premises wielding an axe.

He immediately called for back up to assist but he was conscious of the fact the High Street was packed with revellers so went searching for the offender.

He said: "I was on patrol by myself when the door staff alerted me to the man. I observed him for a couple of minutes and saw him pulling the axe out of his jacket and showing it to people walking past.

"I rang for back-up and decided I had to do something about it. I ran across the road and forced him against a window, disarmed him and put the cuffs on.

"It was over quite quickly and I was naturally frightened but that is why I became a special, to do something for the community."

Mr Watson, who has been a special for seven years in Yarm and Thornaby, said: "It's not the normal thing for Yarm but it was dealt with quickly and the public weren't really threatened because when I arrested him he didn't put up too much of a struggle."

Earlier in the evening, SP Watson had dealt with the agitated man who claimed he had been mugged but, despite his best efforts, he could not discover any details of alleged mugging, and the man just walked away.

Chief Supt Pickard said: "Michael showed considerable courage in single handedly disarming an obviously disturbed and potentially dangerous man in order to protect the public, whilst placing himself at great risk."

The man was sectioned under the mental health act.

* For more police awards see Monday's Northern Echo.